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How to Access Phone Link Notifications in Windows 11

Richard
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Richard
Nov 16, 2023 Updated May 2, 2026 3 min read
How to Access Phone Link Notifications in Windows 11

Phone Link notifications bring your mobile alerts to your desktop. This helps you stay focused on your work without checking your phone. You can read messages, see app alerts, and stay connected while using your PC.

What Happens When You Enable Notifications?

Once enabled, your PC mirrors alerts from your Android device. You can see them in the Windows Action Center or as pop-up banners. This allows for quick replies and better multitasking.

Supported Devices

Phone Link works best with Android devices running Android 9.0 or later. You must have the Link to Windows app installed on your phone. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network for the best experience.

Step-by-Step: Enabling Permissions on Android

Your phone needs permission to share alerts with Windows. Follow these steps on your Android device:

  1. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Find Notifications and toggle it to On.
  4. When prompted, tap Allow to grant access to your notifications.

Follow these steps to manage your alerts:

  1. Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
  2. Click the Settings (gear icon) button.
  3. Select Features.
  4. Under Notifications, choose how you want to see your alerts.
Phone Link Features settings

Note: You may need admin privileges to change system-wide notification settings in C:\Windows\System32 or related system folders if your user account is restricted.

Troubleshooting Common Sync Issues

If notifications are not showing up, try these fixes:

  • Check that Focus Assist or Do Not Disturb mode is turned off on your PC.
  • Ensure Battery Optimization is disabled for the Link to Windows app on your phone.
  • Restart both your PC and your phone.
  • Verify that your PC and phone are connected to the same network.

Customizing Your Experience

You can control which apps send alerts to your PC. In the Phone Link settings, look for the list of apps. Toggle the switch to Off for any app you want to silence. You can also pin your favorite conversations to the top of the feed for faster access.

Summary

Phone Link notifications keep you updated on your PC. By enabling permissions on your Android device and configuring settings in the Windows app, you can mirror alerts, reply to messages, and filter out unwanted noise. If you face sync issues, check your network and notification permissions to restore real-time alerts.

This is usually due to permission settings on your Android device or Focus Assist being active on Windows. Ensure the Link to Windows app has permission to access notifications and that your PC is not in Do Not Disturb mode. Also, check that both devices are on the same network.

Can I reply to messages directly from the notification?

Yes, for many messaging apps, you can reply directly from the notification banner on your Windows desktop. Simply click the Reply button on the notification pop-up, type your message, and hit send. This allows you to keep working on your PC without needing to pick up your phone.

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Tags: #Windows 11
Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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2 responses to “How to Access Phone Link Notifications in Windows 11”

  1. It is not clear what the difference is between “opening notifications banners in the Phone Link vs the mobile app”.

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